In addition to her private duties as a wife and mother, Elizabeth Blair Barber was actively involved in the Patch Foyer Gallery, where she gave George Haynes his first exhibition. The gallery also showcased works by the emerging Robert Juniper, William Boissevain, and the established Ernest Philpot.

She later opened the Cremorne Art Gallery, located upstairs in the Cremorne Arcade on Hay Street. ... She encouraged members of the Western Australian Society of Arts to use the gallery as a hub for exhibitions, meetings, and events. To support young artists and the society, Elizabeth heavily subsidised the gallery, providing them with a space to showcase their work. Unfortunately, after 16 years of operation, the Cremorne Gallery closed due to escalating costs, and she felt compelled to dedicate more time to her own artistic pursuits.

Elizabeth also played a significant role in organizing the inaugural Hyde Park Holiday, now expanded into the Hyde Park Fair. The event, originally conceived by David Crann of the Patch Theatre, was initially misunderstood by some who believed Elizabeth was running the art display for profit, a claim she firmly denied.

A passionate artist, she found inspiration in the local bushland and the towering trees of the southern forests, often accompanying her husband on his work duties. This work, “A Christmas Tree in Flower,” is a fine example of her love for the natural world.